Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Options
- Honours
- Major
- Minor
Fully Available at
- Nanaimo
Partially Available at
- Cowichan
- tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
Are you interested in studying how human activities and behaviours shape physical landscapes and examining why humans create unique spaces and places on the Earth’s surface? Or how natural processes shape the Earth’s surface to create different physical landscapes? A Geography degree is for you!
VIU’s Geography program can be taken as a major or minor with options that allow you to specialize in sustainable resource management or urban and social sustainability as well as a general option.
Geographers pursue careers in many different fields, including education, planning, business, government agencies and non-profit organizations.
The Geography (BA) Program
Geography is the study of earth spaces and places. Geographers are concerned with the distribution and patterning of physical and human phenomena in earth space, including the nature and magnitude of human impact on natural environments. Protecting sustainable environments and managing the earth’s valued resources – land, water and air – are of vital interest to geographers. The geographic concepts of place and landscape provide a framework for understanding the role of culture in the evolution and development of urban and rural landscapes. Political, social and economic processes, when examined from a spatial (geographic) and temporal (historical) perspective, enable students to appreciate and understand the dynamic processes associated with the development of local and regional landscapes.
The B.A. Major in Geography features two areas of specialization – Sustainable Resource Management or Urban and Social Sustainability – and a General stream designed to broaden an understanding of physical and human geography. Theoretical and applied course work in each stream are designed to strengthen communication skills in oral, written and visual presentations, and to provide a range of transferable skills, notably in the areas of spatial analysis, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students will be challenged to think critically, analyze problems, and seek resolutions to conflicts, particularly in the fields of natural resource management and urban and social management.
The B.A. Minor in Geography provides the flexibility to tailor a program that best suits educational and/or career goals. Geography is a teachable subject in the British Columbia secondary system.
VIU’s dedicated, industry-standard GIS lab features the most up-to-date software packages, and the program provides ample opportunity to apply these computer-based tools and techniques. Small class sizes and active student-faculty interaction strengthen each student’s learning experience.
Requirements for a Major
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
General Stream
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 100 - (World Regional Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 101 - (Environmental Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 211 - (Atmospheric Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 212 - (Earth Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 221 - (Statistical Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 228 - (Maps and Mapping) | 3 |
| GEOG 240 - (Human Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 290 - (Regions of Canada) | 3 |
| Year 1 and 2 Credits | 24 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 320 - (Planning and Management of Parks and Protected Areas) | 3 |
| GEOG 324 - (Research Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 467 - (Field Studies in Geography I) | 3 |
| Six upper-level GEOG courses | 18 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 30 |
Sustainable Resource Management Stream
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 100 - (World Regional Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 101 - (Environmental Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 211 - (Atmospheric Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 212 - (Earth Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 221 - (Statistical Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 228 - (Maps and Mapping) | 3 |
| GEOG 240 - (Human Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 290 - (Regions of Canada) | 3 |
| Year 1 and 2 Credits | 24 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 320 - (Planning and Management of Parks and Protected Areas) | 3 |
| GEOG 324 - (Research Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 326 - (Remote Sensing) | 3 |
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 350 - (Natural Resource Management) | 3 |
| GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources and Sustainability) | 3 |
| GEOG 372 - (Climatology) or, GEOG 373 - (Biogeography) | 3 |
| GEOG 374 - (Hydrology) or, GEOG 376 - (Geomorphology) | 3 |
| GEOG 452 - (Applications in Natural Resource Management) | 3 |
| GEOG 467 - (Field Studies in Geography I) | 3 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 30 |
Urban and Social Sustainability Stream
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 100 - (World Regional Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 101 - (Environmental Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 211 - (Atmospheric Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 212 - (Earth Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 221 - (Statistical Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 228 - (Maps and Mapping) | 3 |
| GEOG 240 - (Human Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 290 - (Regions of Canada) | 3 |
| Year 1 and 2 Credits | 24 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 320 - (Planning and Management of Parks and Protected Areas) | 3 |
| GEOG 324 - (Research Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 330 - (Cultural Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 340 - (Urban Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 342 - (Urban and Regional Planning) | 3 |
| GEOG 344 - (Urban Social Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources and Sustainability) | 3 |
| GEOG 446 - (Applications in Urban and Regional Management) | 3 |
| GEOG 467 - (Field Studies in Geography I) | 3 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 30 |
Notes
(1) Students who wish to transfer from the B.A. Minor to the B.A. Major in Geography are required to consult with the Geography Department Chair, and the B.A. Degree Advisor, to arrange the transition.
(2) A total of 120 credits must be completed to meet the institutional B.A. degree requirements, of which 42 credits must be 300-level or above.
Requirements for a Minor
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:
| Years 1 and 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 100 - (World Regional Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 101 - (Environmental Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 211 - (Atmospheric Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 212 - (Earth Environments) | 3 |
| GEOG 221 - (Statistical Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 228 - (Maps and Mapping) | 3 |
| GEOG 240 - (Human Environments) or, GEOG 290 - (Regions of Canada) | 3 |
| Year 1 and 2 Credits | 21 |
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| Additional fifteen credits of GEOG courses numbered 300 and above. | 15 |
| Year 3 and 4 Credits | 18 |
Labour market demand for graduates with strong academic and applied backgrounds in geographic studies remains high – regionally, nationally, and internationally. This is particularly true of graduates with skills in geographic communication, spatial analysis, and GIS. Recent Canadian-based human resource studies report that GIS activity will soon surpass $1-billion annually. Remuneration for entry-level jobs in the field of GIS is well above the norm for undergraduates seeking full-time employment opportunities upon graduation.
Some graduates may wish to pursue post-graduate studies in Geography, or in such diverse fields as education, urban planning, natural resource management, law, or public administration.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 7,333.96 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
International Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees for One Year* | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (30 credits x $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) | 285.00 |
| Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year | 1,500.00 |
| Total | 26,335.06 |
The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
The Geography Honours (BA) Program
The main advantage of the Honours degree in Geography is that it will help students to see themselves as professionals in the discipline, and so will better prepare them for graduate or professional programs. The research project provides an opportunity for putting the required communication, research, and analysis courses into holistic practice; and is becoming a standard expectation for entrance into most graduate programs. VIU is already well established as an institution that provides a breadth of experience suitable for post-program success. The Honours program establishes these standards as a way to strengthen the transition to graduate and professional situations.
Program Outline
Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed under Year 1-4:
Honours BA Geography (General Stream)*
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 320 - (Planning and Management of Parks and Protected Areas) | 3 |
| GEOG 328 - (Geographic Information Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 324 - (Research Methods in Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 467 - (Field Studies in Geography I) | 3 |
| GEOG 491 - (Research Project) | 6 |
| Eight upper-level GEOG electives | 24 |
| Total Credits | 42 |
*Students doing a BA Major in Geography with a specialized stream have more specific upper-level requirements (listed below), thus reducing the 8 upper-level GEOG electives to just two GEOG electives.
| Upper-level Requirements specific to the Sustainable Resource Management stream | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 326 - (Remote Sensing) | 3 |
| GEOG 350 - (Natural Resource Management) | 3 |
| GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources, and Sustainability) | 3 |
| GEOG 372 - (Climatology) or, GEOG 373 - (Biogeography) | 3 |
| GEOG 374 - (Hydrology) or, GEOG 376 - (Geomorphology) | 3 |
| GEOG 452 - (Applications in Natural Resource Management) | 3 |
| Upper-level Requirements specific to the Urban and Social Sustainability stream | Credits |
|---|---|
| GEOG 330 - (Cultural Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 340 - (Urban Systems) | 3 |
| GEOG 342 - (Urban and Regional Planning) | 3 |
| GEOG 344 - (Urban Social Geography) | 3 |
| GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources, and Sustainability) | 3 |
| GEOG 446 - (Applications in Urban and Regional Management) |
Recommended Electives
Global Studies, Earth Science, Resource Management, Forestry, Anthropology, Biology, History, Political Studies, Tourism and Recreation, Liberal Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Economics, Studies in Women and Gender, Psychology, Criminology, Chemistry, Physics, Math.
Further Studies
Students will be qualified to enter Master's Programs in Geography, including two VIU Master's programs (Master of GIS Applications and Master of Community Planning). They may also proceed to other professional training in a range of fields: environmental policy, natural resource management, education, urban planning, geospatial technologies, etc.
Completion Requirements
BA Honours Geography students need an average GPA of 3.67 (A-) on all 3rd and 4th year courses taken within the discipline in order to graduate from an Honours program.
Admission Requirements
The requirement for admission is a GPA of at least a 3.67 (A-) on the most recent 45 credits of study. There is limited space in the Honours program and not all students who meet the requirement will be admitted to the Honours program in Geography.
Students can obtain a Geography Department Honours Application form from the Department Chair. In addition to completing this form, students will also need to complete a Research Project Request Form for submission to the Chair. The Chair will contact the Degree Advisor with confirmation of acceptance, or to obtain confirmation of the appropriate GPA and course planning requirements.
Start Date and Application Deadline
Students may apply any time after completion of 45 credits, and prior to March 31st in the year preceding their final year of study. Successful students will be connected with a senior project advisor.
Domestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Ongoing | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) - Partially Available | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erin Johnson Phone: 604.485.8033 Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Cowichan - Partially Available | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| Ongoing | tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) - Partially Available | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erin Johnson Phone: 604.485.8033 Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi Email: study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Get more information on The Geography (BA) Program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.